Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith

Lucas Woodland, the charismatic vocalist of Holding Absence, dives into a heartfelt conversation about life on the road and balancing adulthood with musical aspirations. He reflects on the pressures of early praise, the thrill of being engaged, and the emotional depth of his band's upcoming album, 'The Noble Art of Self-Destruction.' From reminiscing about influential bands like Funeral For A Friend to discussing unique vocal techniques, Woodland's passion for music shines through alongside his genuine connection to fans.

Hannah Mee and Jim Shaw of the alternative rock duo Hot Milk bring their infectious energy to the conversation. They dive into the chaotic journey of creating their debut album, 'A Call To The Void,' sharing humorous insights on scaring legendary musicians and their unique take on aging. The duo also whimsically explores underwater UFO conspiracies, passionate debates over food preferences, and the importance of being unapologetically themselves. Prepare for laughs, unexpected puppet appearances, and tales of festival madness!

Ruby Soho, a professional wrestler in AEW and punk rock enthusiast, dives into her journey from the ring to farm life. She spills the tea on AEW's historic Wembley Stadium takeover and the chaotic backstage vibes. With tales of fainting in front of Joan Jett and her punk influences, Ruby reveals how music intertwines with wrestling. She reminisces about her emo roots, shares peculiar wrestling stories, and discusses dream band lineups featuring fellow wrestlers. Prepare for a captivating mix of chaos, laughter, and rock 'n' roll!

Dylan Slocum, the witty frontman of Spanish Love Songs, joins the conversation, sharing his journey from aspiring baseball player to sarcastic songwriter. He dives into the band's new album 'No Joy' and dispels myths around their seemingly miserable lyrics. Slocum discusses the challenges of touring, the joy of live performances, and the unique dynamics of being married to a bandmate. With anecdotes ranging from Hollywood to hilarious misadventures, he sheds light on how personal experiences shape their music while maintaining a laugh-out-loud vibe throughout.

Chris Payne, an author and journalist known for his expertise in emo music, dives into the explosive years of the genre from 1999 to 2008. He shares fascinating insights on the foundational bands like Thursday and Jimmy Eat World that paved the way for titans like Fall Out Boy and Paramore. The conversation touches on the nostalgia of MySpace, the cultural impact of the Warped Tour, and the barriers faced by female artists. They also reflect on the emotional connections fans hold to this genre, celebrating its unique place in music history.

Kier Kemp, vocalist of Fearless Vampire Killers and author of "Obsess to Progress," shares his journey as a goth entrepreneur and contestant on Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars. He discusses the band's surprising reunion after a tough breakup, the struggles with mental health, and how he turned obsessions into opportunities. Kier also dives into his condiment company, unforgettable tour memories, and the emotional rollercoaster of performing live. With a mix of heartfelt tales and humor, his insights on personal growth and creativity shine through.

Joining the conversation is Tom Fletcher, a talented singer, songwriter, and author known for his work with McFly and children's literature. He shares hilarious stories from his tour life that often intersect with fatherhood, including memories of being upstaged by his kids at a large concert. Tom dives into McFly’s rock vs. pop identity, their close bonds since 2007, and the creative evolution behind their new album 'Power to Play'. He also reflects on his songwriting adventures for pop icons and the emotional connections fans have with McFly's lyrics.

Walter Schreifels is a legend in the music scene, known for his work with Rival Schools, Gorilla Biscuits, and Quicksand. In this conversation, he shares insights on his diverse musical journey, reflecting on how Gorilla Biscuits gained popularity after their breakup. He discusses the balance between touring and personal life, the emotional experiences in various projects, and his evolution as a lyricist. The chat features humorous moments, including a funny incident with a spider, showcasing the lighter side of being a musician.

Luke Caley, former frontman of Press To MECO and now with Unpeople, joins Jake Crawford for a heartwarming and humorous discussion at 2000 Trees Festival. They reflect on the emotional farewell of their last gig as Press To MECO and the thrill of debuting Unpeople, sharing delightful anecdotes about festival mishaps and their enduring friendship. The duo also chats about the challenges of band dynamics, working with renowned producer Machine, and the nostalgia of their musical journeys—all wrapped in laughter and camaraderie. Tune in for a dose of festival fun!

Join iconic musicians from the 2000 Trees Festival as they share backstage tales and festival nostalgia. Stephen Battelle of LostAlone discusses his unique songwriting process, while Matt Tuck from Bullet For My Valentine reflects on the challenges of returning to the spotlight. Charlie Rolfe of As Everything Unfolds captures the thrill of energetic live performances, and Colin Doran and Andy Gilmour from Hundred Reasons reminisce about their vibrant alternative rock legacy. Together, they celebrate the spirit of community and creativity that defines the festival experience.